Two different views emerged Sunday regarding how strong a hold Syria's president has on his regime.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the sanctions are "beginning to have an effect," though more sanctions need to be implemented by more countries. Clinton told our Jill Dougherty that individual sanctions are "beginning to really wake people up."

"They're looking around thinking, 'For the rest of my life I'm only gonna be able to maybe go to Iran?' That doesn't sound like a great idea," Clinton said in the interview.

"Remember, they're having a lot of victory supported by external forces like Iran, like Russia. So they, in their minds, they - this is all a zero-sum game for them. They realize that," Rep. Mike Rogers said in the interview that aired Sunday on State of the Union.

The ranking Democrat on the intelligence committee told Crowley in the same interview that Assad has ensured his inner circle is loyal.

"I think from the beginning that most of the leadership have been very loyal to Assad. But Assad makes sure that the way he runs his government, that he has people around him, including his representative to the United Nations, including the ambassador to the United States, that they are always focused on their plan, and that plan is to keep dominance over their people," said Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Maryland.

Clinton has said before there are signs of dissent with Syria's elite. Earlier this year, the secretary said, "People around Assad now who are beginning to hedge their bet." But U.S. intelligence officials did not see any fracturing, reported Barbara Starr and Jamie Crawford at the time

My parents were members of the aristocracy of the Soviet Union. They lived 2 000 kms apart, and were not bothered by the Revolutionaries, because my grandfather on my father's side was Finish and my grandmother on my mother's side was Swedish, so the Bolsheviks left them alone. Then came WW2, and Stalin got stuck in the war up to his neck. He needed cash and my Finish grandfather and Swedish grandmother were assassinated. The others were arrested. My father, an 11 yr old managed to escape, took on a Polish identity, but was still arrested twice by the Nazis and put into work camps. He managed to escaped a 3rd time just when the Americans were in Germany and "being Polish" he integrated the US Army. My grandfather from my mother's side was also arrest, and was to be put before a firing squad and his 4 children sent to a children's camp in Siberia. Miraculously he escaped, rounded his children up and they became part of the retreating Nazis. Had they stayed in the USSR, they would be dead. It makes me think of the situation in Syria. About the only people that have a chance to survive are those who flee the country. The others were massacred not only by the Nazis that were trying to get out of the USSR, or by Hitler's own troops. Millions perished. My parents met and wed in Canada. Every time there was a news broadcast in which the west was giving in to Stalin, my father, kept saying, "I can't believe how naïve and blind they are talking about the Western countries. He's making a complete foul of them". What Rick is saying is completely stupid. At the time when I was a small child, my parents still feared the Communists and it wasn't a laughing matter. We grew up fearing all the Communist leaders that followed Stalin, even though we were in Canada. We learned their tactics like the poisonous umbrella ; what seemed to be a natural death, turned out to be murder. My father recognized it immediately, and although we were not paranoid, we had our eyes open. Assad and his gouvernement is making fun of the Western countries, which bring many to post comments like Rick, who is completely out of it. Israel has no beef with Syria, but I'm counting on Damascus being destroyed. I don't know by whom, but it will be done. I read the Bible and there are many things that I don't understand. I don't possess the intelligence to understand it, if not I would be equal or greater that God. I'm satisfied with the amount that I possess. In reading the Bible over and over myself, because I live in a region where there are no churches, I started to understand passages that I was blind to before. I got to understand that Damascus was going to be destroyed, but I didn't know by whom. In reading the Bible,and searching through Internet, I understood that Damascus was an important city in the Middle East, but was the only one that had never been destroyed. And going through Internet, I found that there were Biblical scholars (I am not a scholar, I am not a prophet, I am an ordinary Bible reader) that are saying the same thing that I discovered : Isaiah 17: When Will Israel Nuke Damascus?: The Clue in Psalm 83
Isaiah prophesied the destruction and abandonment of Damascus, Syria over 2700 years ago. Yet the city continues today, despite so many Middle East wars and predictions that "this year" it will finally come to pass. So what is missing that is holding this prophecy back? Israel’s strike on Iran? Or perhaps the overlooked prophecy in the Psalms about a future Arab war alliance targeted at wiping out Israel. Find out why the Arabs are sure to one day acquire weapons of mass destruction that leads them to finally attack Israel...and how their defeat opens up for the "beginning of sorrows" and Great Tribulation to finally happen. For further reading google "Damascus" and you'll find more into. I forgot one detail that my parents will remind me : dictators are diabolical. They care only for themselves and usually a part if not all their family. One person that I think was not mentioned in the posts is Putin. Don't forget that he is an ex-KGB who are wolves in sheep's clothing. They are highly trained, may-be better than the Green Berets or Navy Seals.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Gunfire erupted Friday night outside a Miami funeral home, police say
1 person died at the scene and another died later at a local hospital
The wounded included a 5-year-old girl, who was listed in stable condition
(CNN) - Gunfire rang out outside a Miami funeral home, killing two people and injuring 12 others, police said.

Investigators from the Miami-Dade County Police Department's homicide bureau continued their probe Saturday, one day after the mass shooting took place.

What is this for God sake ,we are all humans even we are muslims ,christian jews or i dont know what else , What we want is sustainability and resilient grow within out countries and our world and that can not be achieved through war . By hundreds of years we have been fighting eachother and used everything that came into out hands in order to dominate ,in order to hold the power ,or just used violence in order to solve out issues ..But look where we are now ! thre never have been so much hate and misery in this world ,3 billion people live from a day to another this can be solved by using the same curency all over the world ,but it is never taken in consideration even millions die every year by starvation ,Why is that ? and back to Syria seems we are cought between a dictator and other leaders that thanks GOd they have some idiots to point at ,so their people to take the eyes from them....

If all of the Muslim dictatorships crumble, and are replaced by democracies, will Obama get the credit like shitstain Reagan got it for the Soviet Union?

The late Osama bin Laden tried to rally Muslims based on the “humiliation and disgrace” of Islam by the West for “more than 880 years.” His cause is on the ropes, not just because of his killing last year but because of the Arab Spring’s message that some bygones should be bygones. Violence can’t be justified by the distant past.

I think this is an occupational hazard of being a dictator... you just get too used to being able to create whatever version of reality you want. Controlling the press, throngs of followers, none of whom are willing to say the emperor has no clothes on. I am serious, I think part of being in that role means losing all touch with any objective reality.

Gadhaffi, Hussein, Mubarak, etc. all thought they were 'winning' right up to the end. Forget Arab dictators for that matter... pretty well documented that as the war was ending Hitler didn't exactly have the firmest grip on reality either. Heck, let's include Charlie Sheen and his 'winning' too 😉 (hmm new sitcom idea, 'Two and Half Dictators', get Sheen, Assad and Chavez an apartment together and start filming, hilarity will ensue...)

Jokes aside it genuinely seems to be a common thread, and I think it comes from wielding absolute power for so long. It allows them to define reality not as it is, but as they wish it to be. And in their own little bubble of a world, it works. They get used to that, and then when confronted with harsh realities they don't like... they just... believe otherwise. I really think Saddam expected to defeat the allies when they invaded Iraq. I think Gadhaffi really thought the people loved him and would rise up to protect him. Etc. etc.

Has to make foreign policy a bear. I mean, most political theory is based on the premise that states are rational actors. When these guys start acting irrationally, it becomes difficult to anticipate what they do next. Or to read a reaction to a proposal or compromise.

Now as for the criticisms that we hate some dictators, but love others (Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain et al)... agree 100%. I hate dictatorships, I hate theocracies (theoCRAZIES) and have no desire to support either. I'd like to see it become US policy that we do NOT support dictatorships or theocracies. Ever.

However our support of those dictatorships, as repugnant as I find them, in no way excuses Assad or his actions.

anyone who does not agree with dictatorial USA is deemed a terrorist .brutal dictator or war criminal
typical american cacophony propaganda
the world is slowly awakening from its slumber
and sees the truth
from vietnam to grenada ,panama., Haiti, Iraq, afghanistan,Pakistan, Libya
the US has murdered millions and millions
invaded all these countries
Us is the biggest war criminal
It has killed millions of children worldwide
clinton had whitewater
bush had blackwater
US should stop spreading hate
based on religion and ethnicity
US should stop exporting racism
from rodney king to travyon martin
i can go on and on

Shame on the west,we have had enough of rhetorics for the past one year .the butchar Bashar and his bandits/thugs still killing the syrians by the minute,how may people have to do die before you intervene,you had similar intervention in Bosnia and Kosofo ,you by passed the Russian in the security council ,and you can do the same.Or arm the the Free Syrian Army ,give us nofly zone and seclusion area at border of Turkey(most of the regular army will defect) one month after the regime will crumble.you have know one thing the FSA are quite organised because they are originally from the syrian army it selfe before defection.We syrians lived with all sects and other religion for many hundreds of year together with out any problem much before Alassad family hijacked the country with the help of the west.The syrians are very tolerant and if the were not so you would have seen may be more than half million killed after one year of revolution.The first prime minster after the French occupation left syria was christian ,his name Faris Alkhoury.Read history before you start giving stupid comment.

Nobody deserves the torture and brutality that the Syrian people have faced through the hands of Assad's regime. Disagree all you want with their opinions and beliefs, but please, be careful of what you callously suggest about the value of their lives.

April 2, 2012 at 12:12 pm |

diana

I agree with Carrie totally. Disagree all you want with someones politics and beliefs and behaviour but be careful of you callousness towards their lives lest someone else judges you the same

April 2, 2012 at 3:01 pm |

Anonymous

It’s an old narrative that Arabs are victims of foreign hands, still being humiliated by big non-Muslim powers as in the 19th and 20th century.

The minute we send our troops in to die for the Syrian's freedom, and things start to get a little messy, we'll have people screaming: Why is America occupying another country and bla bla bla. Go complain to China and Russia about why nothing is getting done at the UN. Go complain to the Arab League and the "Friends of Syria" and ask why Saudi Arabia won't spare their precious troops to end the crack down.

I'm perfectly read to admit that the Syrians are going through hell, and someone should do something, however the US isn't the savior of every nation... Sorry!

BULL FSA is a bunch of no good terrorists,drug traffickers,human traffickers Pimps and hard core criminals and thugs
Turkey ,Saudi and Qatar the worst regimes in the region
are window decorating these FSA monkeys as liberators of Syria
the syrian people know better
If the FSA really cared about the people of syria
they would not use suicide bombers
execute women and children on the roadside
attack heritage sites in syria
there are no syrians in the FSA
but its full of suadi arabian,al queda turkey and Qatar mercenaries

They had a welfare state practically, the government did give the people things like healthcare and money and aid. While Asad might not be the greatest leader, he is one of the least-oppresive of all the nations we're involved with. It's one of the very few arab countries where Christians can practice freely without being persecuted. In fact the pope gave 100,000$ to their catholic church yesterday. A lot of what is happening there is propaganda. The Asad regime is fighting armed militants that have been exported from other countries to make it seem like he's killing his people. THey are burning tires to make it look like they have been shelled with artillery. You forget that they have MUCH more capabilities. If Asad was really hellbent on hurting his people he does have aircraft at his disposal, anti air, anti ship missiles, and many other weapons. However he is trying to keep the peace, and is planning on stepping down. They drafted the new constitution and will begin parliamentary elections on May 7. This has been in the works but had been expedited because of the crisis. Don't believe everything you see on CNN/Fox. And DEFINITELY don't believe half of what comes out of Hilary Clintons mouth.

April 2, 2012 at 9:26 am |

WellHello

The irony of the location of Syria should also peak interests. We are contemplating going into Iran who is an ally with Syria, Syria borders Israel so we would have a better foothold in, and they would not be fight alongside iran should the regime be nonexistant. We're critisizing Iran, who signed the non-proliferation treaty, and has allowed IAEA inspectors to view their facilities. Israel has around 300 nuclear weapons, has not signed the treaty, won't submit to inspections, cuts ties with the UN when they want to do a humanitarian probe because of the gaza conflict. And these are our allies. What about Bahrain where they were killing protesters? Or saudi arabia? You don't hear squat about them because Bahrain houses our fifth fleet port, and Saudi Arabia produces all the oil.

April 2, 2012 at 9:28 am |

BustaBurqa

First of all, Iran has not let IAEA inspectors into their facilities where they are enriching uranium so you are only telling half the truth. Second, how do you know that Israel has 300 nuclear weapons? They have never confirmed or admitted to having any nuclear weapons so you statement is just an assumption. But the bigger question is why do you go out of your way to defend a dictator who is literally slaughtering his people without regard? Syria is drenched with the blood of innocents and you are standing up for a monster. How can you look at yourself in the mirror and not feel shame?

April 2, 2012 at 9:41 am |

Mike Barakat

it is funny that the USA is behind the Saudies the ones that don's even allow women to attend a soccer game that is real freedom and really fighting for women's right thanks Clinton

the story of this article is about a dictator bent on committing genocide and willing to slaughter thousands upon thousands to continue to dictate and deny modern-day freedoms and the right to elect a leader of the "people" choice

18 million syrian people are being controled by fear. now that fear started to go away and only syrians will have to pay the price. israel america russia saudia arabia turkey are just helping the sides they want or pretend to do so. those countries can buy many people but not enough to change the outcome . only syrian blood will do the change.

As Syria’s bloodshed deepens, the British-born first lady has become an object of contempt for many, a Marie Antoinette figure who shopped online for crystal-encrusted Christian Louboutin stilettos while her country burned.

What are these stories, are u for real? The war is close to over, the peoples Army has taken back the cities from the extremists and there are no sniper killing anymore in cities such as Homs. (I wonder who shot the innocent people in the first place....)

the peoples army is Free Syrian Army that consist of former Assad's forces refusing to kill unarmed citizens, teachers, professors, farmers, shop owners, plant workers, police officiers. By your statement, it would be like calling the rebels of american revolution extremists, Assad is a crude evil leader that uses the torturing (such a beatings and burning children to death) to discourage other citizens that support the movement (majority of syrians) from protesting

Saudi Arabia has spoken through their voice, the Arab League. He is expendable. Most in the west don't understand that the Saudis cannot stand Persians. Assad has a choice to end his friendship with Iran or he's out the door. If he doesn't resign peacefully he is looking at a Momar Kadaffi style exit, I'm afraid. Saudi Arabia decides who stays and who goes. They want the guy in Iran gone and Assad is in their way. Russia and China will switch sides and go with whoever wins.

I doubt that Russia and CHina will change sides. Afterall this is all about geopolitical hegemony. thats why they will defend Syria and Iran untill the end. Righly so...
The saudis make me seek...they call for change of regime, when theirs own regime is the worst in the world.

Mr. toadears : I think that you are an agent of Saudi intelligence, the Mossad and the CIA. You get a lot of money from these three intelligence. You do propaganda for Saudi Arabia , because they and Israel are now ONE against Iran. I believe that Israel alone decide when the leave-Assad. Israel prevented the NATO military intervention in Syria , so lIsrael is responsible for the massacres in Syria Continues , because Israel wants a new regime in Syria, "a friend of Israel " . We know! and You support Israel.

This has nothing to do with Israel and you know it. Stop making things up to distract people from the reality that Assad is at war with his own people and has slaughtered literally thousand of men, women and children. Stop trying to protect Assad the war criminal.

April 2, 2012 at 7:38 am |

rick

ooooooooo israel runs Tony's life and controls all the arab states.........oooooooooooo poor tony.................. thats what hapens when the tobacco in the hookah has glue in it...........oooooooooooooo jews bad, muslim underwear bombers good..............oooooooooooo jews........oooooooooooo

April 2, 2012 at 8:36 am |

victor

insanity. So now the govt soldiers are the main responsible for all deaths. I dont think the govt soldiers plant bombs...thats more an act of terrorists, who have connections with America to be more specific, the cia.
Anyway, what about Saudi Arabia ? When are you going to put sanctions on that terrible mediaval regime ?

Funny with America and their Ally`s, Any government they dont want they will use their sanctions to destroy the government. Is not the work of the west to do that but their own citizens. When you sanction government the citizens you said to proctet are suffering. The Government officials are the last to suffer. The west dont need peace in Syria instead they need Assad and Russia out of the game in M. East. Funny, Zimbabwe people are suffering today because of Western interest. Tell me one country in m. East with democracy. Only one and that is Iran now they are planning to destroy Iran funny. Tell me one Gulf State with democracy none but they are sponsoring it in other countries hahhahaha funny game. when all this will backfire i hope you people will take the responsibility thank you and God bless bye

We cannot change the whole world and each country but what do you expect the world to do when Assad is bombing his people. Ofcourse everything cannot be fair and the West cannozt police the whole world but i expect that they will do their small bit even if it is to safeguard their interests. Russia has never done enything against Human Rights violations wether ny Burma , China or Russia itself. As the west may be Hyporitical , at least they are the lesser Evil. Look at Afghanistan, Should the West look the other way? Israel as a legal country that cannot be just wished away. As long as Palestinians think otherwise there will alwaysbe war. They have to wake up, accept Israel, then life wilöl move on

The situation in Syria is different from Lybia. In syria there are not like of thousands of people protesting against Assad, people are inside their home afraid of the TERRORIST and "Rebels" who are being clearly instigated, and most of those who are not, are making pro-govt rallies. Even at the Turkey summit there was a pro-govt protest,which of course wasnt reported by CNN.
try to watch another news channel please.

April 2, 2012 at 4:50 am |

mary999

the US and russia will divide the spoils amongst themselves and agree on a plan eventually. but i have a feeling that many more wars will be fought and thousands of people will die before that happens. GREED is the mother of all evil.

Assad is supported only by his ability to terrorize his own people. They know better than to speak up...because they'll end up dead. Do not confuse silence with support. It is no different than the "who's mourning the best" observed in North Korea. If you want to stay alive, you play along. Assad has always been like Saddam was in Iraq, a tyrant leading a minority government staying in power by being ruthless. Given time, the sanctions will bring him down because he simply doesn't have the true support of his people.

write your own article about USA, most of us are unawares of USA "crimes" and this article is about Syria. get ahold of " muslim " David", he'll help you out as 2 halfwits might be better than just you or he alone, altho doubtful.

April 2, 2012 at 8:48 am |

stanny

We can do all the research we want. How about Hams and Hizbollah crimes? This is a war my friend. you have to look at both sides. You can investigate the crimes today and tomorrow other crimes happen. You can only do a proper investigation if the cause of the crimes is dealt with . and that is peace. Israel and palestinians must agree that they are both legal entities. Palestinians must ask Hizbollah and Hams ( their 2 biggest supporters), then life will go on.

There are no Israeli crimes against humanity. Stop trying to change the subject from the fact that Assad is at war with his own people and has literally slaughtered thousands of Men, Women and children.

How about Israel? How many have they slaughtered in Lebanon, Palestine, and the occupation of West Bank, Gaza and Golan?

April 2, 2012 at 4:37 am |

John F.

attacking hamas militants that is sending daily rockets into Israel is not slaughtering, who is teaching their children to kill themselves by commit suicide with a bomb to kill innocent bystanders including children?

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CNN's Security Clearance examines national and global security, terrorism and intelligence, as well as the economic, military, political and diplomatic effects of it around the globe, with contributions from CNN's national security team in Washington and CNN journalists around the world.